Looking into this as well. Where is a good place to get the PROM redone and do you just put the TBI intake manifold on it for the mix and match?
No. The TBI and Vortec heads use a different intake bolt pattern. A few options, believe there is an aftermarket TBI/Vortec intake out there (there was factory too, but it's rare) or you can run a TBI adapter on a carbed Vortec intake.
Honestly the Vortec heads cause a fair bit of complexity. As a crate motor for its intended purpose, low RPM torque, drop in and be done, the L31 is very hard to beat, but if I was bent on building something, and/or I had a Vortec short block, I'd probably see what kind of aftermarket heads are available that would allow me to re-use the stock intake. As I recall from a few years back, some of the available aluminum aftermarket heads were getting into very competitive/worth considering territory.
TBI's forte (as well as the LO5 and L31 engines themselves) is low-end torque. Trying to get the system and those engines to rev, and make power, takes a fair bit of work. At least with aftermarket heads, an aggressive cam swap would be easier than with the Vortecs.
A few people are running various aftermarket injection units, to make good power, and not require the custom programming, that might be something to look at. But to be honest, I still think that "as made" TBI probably has better driveability, and if Howell thinks they can set you up so you can make good power and maintain that same level of driveability, I'd go that route.
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